Question

Explain catenation with example.

Answer 1

Catenation can be defined as the self-linking of atoms of an element to form chains and rings and it also be defined or we can say that this definition can be extend by mentioning that it can also forms layers like two-dimensional catenation and space lattices like three-dimensional catenation.

Complete answer:
Catenation generally occurs in carbon because carbon forms covalent bonds to form longer chains and structures with other carbon atoms. Carbon is best known for its catenation properties with the analysis of catenated carbon structures in organic chemistry.
The most common examples of catenation are carbon, silicon, boron and sulfur. Out of all these carbon has a unique nature in that it is able to catenate and form millions of organic compounds. Carbon shows the property of catenation to the maximum extent. Other than carbon sulphur, silicon etc also show this property to some extent.
Carbon may form bonds with other atoms of carbon. This carbon property is known as catenation and carbon can form a long chain due to catenation which represents bonding with other carbon atoms. By catenation carbon can produce single, double and triple bonds.
Hence the main example of catenation is carbon.

Note:
Catenation property also shows periodic effects i.e. catenation tendency decreases as we move down the group. This happens because the atomic size increases as we move down the group due to which the strength of the covalent bond decreases and as a result the catenation property also decreases down the group.